The trustees of the Soane have appointed a specialist head hunter to find a replacement for Thomas.

Helen Dorey, the museum’s deputy director and inspectress, will take on the role of acting director until the recruitment process is completed.

“It is with regret that we have accepted Thomas’s resignation, but we understand and appreciate his personal and professional decision,” said Guy Elliott, the chairman of the trustees at the Soane.

“During his time as the museum’s director, he has brought to the Soane a firm vision of the contemporary relevance of this historic house museum, which has the full backing of trustees.”

Thomas joined the Soane, which is the former home and office of the architect John Soane, in December 2013. He has led on the organisation’s £7m restoration plan, including the reopening of the architect’s private apartments.

Thomas was previously the design and architecture curator at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. He replaced Tim Knox, who left to become director of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.